The five artists and collaboratives are invited to explore the theme of “Crossed Lines” — how lines are drawn, literally and figuratively, to demarcate public and private space, and how boundaries inform our movement and sense of belonging. This theme reflects the complex conditions of Grand Rapids, a place with a rich legacy of public art defining and enhancing civic space, yet still confronted with difficult questions about access and boundaries, both visible and invisible.Paul Amenta and Ted Lott, in collaboration with DisArt, have created a site-specific architectural intervention and built an environment that will address issues of accessibility in both form and function. The project will re-imagine the site by temporarily transforming a private space into an accessible public space for the duration of Project 1. The project will serve as an armature facilitating dynamic programing and community engagement—functioning as a stage for Disability art events, a platform for local artists, and a social gathering space for the community. In addition SiTE:LAB will assist in activating the space by engaging local talent.

Paul Amenta is a visual artist working across disciplines including site-specific installation, architectural intervention, film and video, and large-scale collaborative public projects. Amenta has received national attention for his use of vacant urban spaces for temporary public projects and site-specific art installations. Amenta is the founder of SiTE:LAB, where his involvement as an organizer extends well beyond the selection and display of artwork—he has extensive experience designing, adapting and modifying structures as compelling public spaces in which to install and engage artwork. Amenta holds an MFA in Fine Arts from The School of Visual Arts in New York and a BFA in Sculpture and Printmaking from Grand Valley State University.

Ted Lott is a Principal at Lott3Metz Architecture. Lott is an award-winning architect, urban designer and planner and an active stakeholder in the design of our neighborhoods. Lott’s work focuses on animating urban environments for caucus, commerce, and celebration. He earned his graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Michigan.

DisArt is a production company and arts and culture organization that focuses its energy on creating public art events that cultivate and communicate a Disabled culture. DisArt believes that expressions of a Disabled cultural identity can transform society from awareness to understanding to belonging, creating a society that enjoys the full and equitable participation of all people.